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Traveling Across Global Divides: Freedom or Barriers to Move?

Author

Listed:
  • A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah
  • Diotima Chattoraj

Abstract

Citizenship plays a crucial role in shaping migrants' travel freedom. Although those from the Global North typically enjoy easier travel experiences, individuals from the Global South often encounter significant barriers. These include long waits at consulates for visas and potentially stressful interrogations at borders or airports. This article explores how the power of a passport varies based on the issuing country and its impact on both the geographic and professional mobility of passport holders. It also examines the reasons behind visa restrictions in some countries and visa‐free travel allowances in others. Through interviews with 45 frequent travelers—both for professional purposes and tourism—the study highlights how visa regulations can redirect travelers to alternative destinations even when policies remain unchanged. The findings have important policy implications for both source and host countries. 公民身份在影响移民的旅行自由方面发挥着至关重要的作用。虽然来自北方国家的人通常享受更轻松的旅行体验, 但来自南方国家的人却经常遭遇重大障碍。这些障碍包括在领事馆等待签证的漫长时间以及可能令人紧张的边境或机场审讯。本文探究了护照的强度如何因签发国而异, 以及它对护照持有人的地理流动性和职业流动性的影响。本文研究了某些国家限制签证和其他国家提供免签旅行的原因。通过采访45名经常旅行的人 (包括工作和旅游目的), 本研究强调了签证规定如何能将旅行者重新引导到其他目的地, 即使政策保持不变。研究结果对来源国和东道国都具有重要的政策启示。 La ciudadanía juega un papel crucial en la configuración de la libertad de viaje de los migrantes. Mientras que los del Norte Global suelen disfrutar de experiencias de viaje más fáciles, los del Sur Global a menudo encuentran barreras importantes. Estos incluyen largas esperas en los consulados para obtener visas e interrogatorios potencialmente estresantes en las fronteras o aeropuertos. Este artículo explora cómo varía el poder de un pasaporte según el país emisor y su impacto en la movilidad geográfica y profesional de los titulares de pasaportes. Examina las razones detrás de las restricciones de visa en algunos países y las asignaciones de viaje sin visa en otros. A través de entrevistas con 45 viajeros frecuentes (tanto por motivos profesionales como turísticos), el estudio destaca cómo las regulaciones de visas pueden redirigir a los viajeros a destinos alternativos incluso cuando las políticas permanecen sin cambios. Los hallazgos tienen importantes implicaciones políticas tanto para los países de origen como para los de acogida.

Suggested Citation

  • A. K. M. Ahsan Ullah & Diotima Chattoraj, 2025. "Traveling Across Global Divides: Freedom or Barriers to Move?," World Affairs, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 188(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:woraff:v:188:y:2025:i:1:n:e12062
    DOI: 10.1002/waf2.12062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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